Monkton Heathfield Development Delays Leave Children Without Sports Facilities

Strategic Insights -

Councillor Norman Cavill has brought attention to the issue of Persimmon Homes South West's delayed delivery of local sports facilities, including a rugby pitch, a cricket pitch, and a BMX pump track, as required by the Monkton Heathfield urban extension's phase one development plan. Despite the developer's promise to complete the access road by August 2024, the road remains incomplete, and no planning permission has been granted for the facilities. This has left numerous children without access to cricket and rugby pitches, with 500 children aged 7 to 17 in the area applying to local clubs but being unable to be accommodated.

Key Takeaways:

  • Persimmon Homes South West has delayed the delivery of local sports facilities, including a rugby pitch, a cricket pitch, and a BMX pump track, as required by the Monkton Heathfield urban extension's phase one development plan.
  • The developer promised to complete the access road by August 2024 but has failed to do so, leaving the facilities unable to be developed.
  • 500 children aged 7 to 17 in the area are unable to access cricket and rugby pitches, with many applying to local clubs but being unable to participate.
  • The delay is attributed to the developer's failure to provide the required road access, despite West Monkton Parish Council's efforts to work with the developer and secure planning permission.
  • The lack of enforcement action from Somerset Council has contributed to the delays, with Councillor Mike Rigby stating that the responsibility lies with Persimmon to rectify the issues.
  • Persimmon Homes has apologized for the delay and confirmed that work on the access road is expected to be completed by the autumn.

Statistics:

  • 500 children aged 7 to 17 in the area are without access to cricket and rugby pitches.
  • 1,500 houses are being built in the Monkton Heathfield development.
  • The secondary school in the area has been delayed, with the "through school" masterplan being tweaked multiple times.
  • The development has been subject to numerous delays, with the planning committee last discussing the plans in November 2024.

Sources:

  • Councillor Norman Cavill, statement to the full council on July 16, 2024.
  • Persimmon Homes and Redrow Homes, joint statement.
  • Somerset Council, debate and discussion on the Monkton Heathfield development.